Any theory analyzing something in terms of its function; that is, any theory claiming that the best, or only, way of defining something is in terms of what it does or the role it plays in the ongoing course of events.
Functionalism tends to define things in terms of their causes and effects, and, in particular, a functionalist in philosophy of mind defines mental states and properties in terms of their causes and their effects as seen in behavior. Two such states or properties will be the same if they have the same causes and effects.
An objection alleged against such functionalism is that it cannot account for the ‘inner’ nature of conscious experience, for it seems possible in principle that two people might be subject to the same stimuli and exhibit the same behavior while having different inner experiences; or one of them might have none at all (that is, be a zombie).
Source:
N Malcolm, ‘”Functionalism” in Philosophy of Psychology’, Proceedings of the Aristotelian Society (1979-80)
Table of Contents
- 1 Videos
- 2 Related Products
- 2.1 The Priest's Communion with Christ: Dispelling Functionalism
- 2.2 Functionalism
- 2.3 The Chicago School of Functionalism (History of American Thought)
- 2.4 Functionalism
- 2.5 The New Modern House: Redefining Functionalism
- 2.6 Functionalism Historicized: Essays on British Social Anthopology (Volume 2) (History of Anthropology)
- 2.7 Functionalism (Original Mix)
- 2.8 Focus On: 100 Most Popular Sociological Theories: Marxism, Frankfurt School, Positivism, Social Darwinism, Social Network, Feminist Theory, Social Constructionism, ... Functionalism, Dunbar's Number, etc.
- 2.9 Ready Yet?
- 2.10 Session Five: Our Experience of Consciousness
Videos
The Priest's Communion with Christ: Dispelling Functionalism
- Fr Eugene M Florea (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 126 Pages - 05/24/2018 (Publication Date) - Institute of Priestly Formation (Publisher)
The Chicago School of Functionalism (History of American Thought)
- Hardcover Book
- English (Publication Language)
- 1400 Pages - 01/01/1900 (Publication Date) - Thoemmes Continuum (Publisher)
The New Modern House: Redefining Functionalism
- Used Book in Good Condition
- Bell, Jonathan (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 240 Pages - 09/19/2012 (Publication Date) - Laurence King Publishing (Publisher)
Session Five: Our Experience of Consciousness
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- J. Warner Wallace (Actor)
- Drew MacAlmon (Director)
- English (Playback Language)
- English (Subtitle)
Last update 2020-05-25. Price and product availability may change.